Skype stake to be sold for $2 billion

eBay has agreed to sell Skype to a group of private investors, in a deal that values the online calling business at $2.75 billion.

According to Reuters, eBay will receive around $1.9 billion in cash, along with a $125 million note agreeing to pay that amount at a set time. eBay is retaining an approximate 35 per cent stake in Skype.

The consortium of investors led by Silver Lake Partners will control around 65 per cent of the business. The group also includes the Canada Pension Plan investment board, UK-based firm Index Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz – the venture capital firm created by Netscape co-founder and eBay board member Marc Andreessen.

eBay reportedly said the deal will close in the fourth quarter of 2009, and is not subject to any financing conditions.